Assistant Kitchen Manager at Darwin Escapes in Cheddar, England, GB

Job Title

Location: Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa
Job Type: Full Time, 40 hours
Department: Kitchen
Salary: £27,206 per annum

Darwin Escapes. Great People. Great Places.
At Darwin Escapes, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Across our holiday resorts, lodge retreats and support teams, our colleagues help create memorable experiences for our guests every day.
We’re proud to offer a friendly and supportive place to work, with opportunities to learn, develop and build a career with Darwin Escapes.

About the role
We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Assistant Kitchen Manager to support the day-to-day running of our kitchen.
Working closely with the Head Chef, you’ll act as deputy lead within the kitchen, helping oversee daily operations, lead shifts, manage stock and ordering and maintain high standards of food quality, safety and service.
This is a hands-on leadership role suited to an experienced Chef who enjoys leading by example, developing others and taking ownership of kitchen operations. You’ll also provide cover for the Head Chef when required, helping ensure consistent and efficient kitchen performance.
This is a full-time, permanent role working 40 hours per week, including weekends and bank holidays as required.
Role highlights
• Deputy leadership responsibility within the kitchen team
• Hands-on role combining cooking and operational leadership
• Opportunity to lead shifts and support team development
• Responsibility for stock, ordering and kitchen standards
• Clear progression opportunity towards Head Chef or senior kitchen management
Key responsibilities
• Support the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the kitchen
• Act as deputy lead and oversee kitchen operations in the Head Chef’s absence
• Lead kitchen shifts and help ensure an efficient and consistent service
• Prepare, cook and present high-quality dishes to company standards
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, health and safety and compliance
• Manage stock control, ordering, deliveries and wastage
• Support menu delivery, presentation and food quality consistency
• Train, coach and support kitchen team members
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised kitchen environment
• Support labour control, kitchen performance and cost management
• Help monitor operational standards and identify areas for improvement
• Work collaboratively with the wider Food and Beverage and resort teams to support the guest experience
What we’re looking for
Essential
• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Assistant Kitchen Manager, Senior Chef or in a similar kitchen leadership role
• Strong cooking skills within a busy professional kitchen
• Experience leading shifts and supervising kitchen team members
• Good knowledge of stock management, ordering and cost control
• Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene and health and safety standards
• Confidence coaching and supporting other team members
• Strong organisation, communication and leadership skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• A positive, hands-on approach and passion for delivering high-quality food
Desirable
• Experience deputising for a Head Chef or Kitchen Manager
• Experience supporting labour budgets and kitchen performance
• Relevant professional cookery qualifications
• Relevant food hygiene or food safety qualifications
• Previous experience within holiday parks, hospitality, leisure or a similar high-volume environment

Why Join Darwin Escapes?
As part of the Darwin Escapes team, you’ll have access to a range of benefits, including:
• Heavily discounted holidays across Darwin Escapes resorts
• Discounts when dining or using spa facilities across our resorts
• Free use of many resort facilities
• MediCash Health Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Training and development opportunities
• Career progression opportunities
• Access to employee benefits and discounts
• Discounted gym memberships
• Enhanced holiday and sick pay
• Cycle to Work scheme
• The opportunity to sell annual leave
Some benefits are subject to terms and conditions.
Supporting the Armed Forces Community
Darwin Escapes is proud to support the Armed Forces community and welcomes applications from Service Leavers, Veterans, Reservists and military families.
Where applicable, eligible Service Leavers and Veterans who meet the essential criteria for a role will be offered an interview.
Ready to Join Us?
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and become part of the Darwin Escapes team.